NORWICH – The Chenango County SPCA has had such an overwhelming response from the community about the 76 Pomeranians in their care, that they’ve even changed their switchboard message. Callers are now immediately directed to select option 3 if they are calling regarding the popular pups.
More than 60 families came forward to express an interest in adopting the dogs as soon as the story of their rescue broke, long before the SPCA had the necessary legal and medical clearances to find them homes. It looks like their wait may soon be over.
According to SPCA Executive Director Carol Hedlund, about a third of the dogs will be ready to go to new homes by the end of this week.
“We have been awaiting medical clearance for them to become eligible for adoption,” Hedlund said in a press statement issued Monday. “We now have that and are in the process of ensuring they are all spayed or neutered prior to their adoption into new homes.”
The dogs have been housed at the SPCA since they were seized from Steven W. Fong nearly two months ago. Hedlund and several members of the SPCA board assisted Chenango County Sheriff’s Deputies in removing the dogs from a double wide trailer in the Town of Oxford owned by the Brooklyn man. They have been housed at the non-profit’s Norwich location since that date. Ownership of the dogs transferred to the SPCA on Nov. 21.
When the Poms first arrived at the shelter, they were in poor health and physical condition. During their time at the SPCA the have received much medical attention and grooming, and Hedlund is proud to report they are now in much better health.
Their fur, heavily matted with urine and fecal matter when they first arrived at the shelter, was cut short. It is now growing back redder and silkier than before, which Hedlund said is more typical of the breed.
The dogs bark excitedly, tails wagging, when she enters the room. When their cages are opened, they jump eagerly into her outstretched arms.
“They are happy campers,” she said, as one young male Pom lapped at her face with his pink tongue.
Caring for all 76 dogs, in addition to the other animals housed at the SPCA, has been a monumental task. The undertaking has stretched the resources of the non-profit, from staffing to space. According to Hedlund, the shelter receives no government funding, but relies instead on donations and fees for services to care for the animals.
Adopting all of the dogs out will be no less challenging. This is by far the largest adoption effort in the history of the local shelter. Finding homes for the dogs will be complicated by the fact that it is likely some of the animals will suffer some long term affects from the conditions from which they were rescued.
“We have identified some medical concerns with the dogs that we will discuss with potential adopters. We are hopeful that the folks who have expressed an interest in adopting one of these little guys will commit to their long term care,” said Hedlund.
Her confidence in finding willing adopters was no doubt boosted when a potential home was found for one dog, whose medical condition made it a particular concern.
Because of neurological problems, the female Pom is unable to stand on her own and struggles even to keep her head up. She will no doubt need extensive care, but Hedlund said they have already found someone willing and able to take on the responsibility.
As the dogs are spayed and neutered in preparation for adoption, those who have already filled out the necessary paperwork for the organizations Wish Book will be contacted first. But despite rumors to the contrary, not all of the dogs have been spoken for.
The shelter’s normal adoption fee of $85 will apply. Those who are interested should contact the SPCA at 334-9724.
For more information on this case, or any of the Chenango County SPCA’s programs or services, visit their website at www.chenangospca.org.